MR Round Table 2026 Focuses on Academic Excellence

Higher education institutions are facing rising expectations in an era of technological disruption and global competition. Against this backdrop, the School of Leadership and Management at Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies (MRIIRS) hosted the 5th edition of the MR Round Table 2026.

The theme of the event was “Progressive People Practices for Excellence in Academic Institutions.” The forum brought together policymakers, vice chancellors, academic leaders and industry experts to discuss how institutional culture and faculty development can shape the future of higher education.

People at the Centre of Reform

Speakers at the roundtable emphasised that infrastructure and technology alone cannot drive academic excellence. Instead, the focus must shift to faculty motivation, leadership, evaluation systems and institutional culture.

Rajeev Dubey, Honorary Director General at MRIIRS and former governing body member of the International Labour Organization, highlighted the importance of aligning purpose, systems and people. He stressed that institutional performance depends on meaningful engagement and accountability.

Rethinking Performance Management

In his keynote address, Prof. Prajapati Trivedi of MDI Gurgaon and former Secretary to the Government of India spoke about the role of measurement and accountability in academic institutions.

He noted that performance management systems must move beyond numerical targets such as publication counts. According to him, clarity in expectations and structured evaluation systems are essential for improving institutional capacity.

AI and the Changing Role of Teachers

A key highlight of the event was a fireside chat featuring Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar, former Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC).

He discussed the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in education and said teachers must transition from information providers to creators of learning ecosystems. While technology can automate certain processes, mentorship, empathy and inspiration remain human strengths, he noted.

The discussion also touched on competency-based education, assessment reform and the need to promote critical thinking and collaboration among students.

Addressing Faculty Burnout and Talent Retention

Panel discussions explored concerns about faculty burnout and the need for better recognition of contributions such as mentoring and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Participants also discussed attracting and retaining academic talent amid increasing global competition and industry pull. Fair evaluation systems, professional autonomy and opportunities for growth were highlighted as key factors.

The event also examined industry–academia partnerships and employability as essential outcomes of degree programmes.

From Dialogue to Action

Organisers said the goal of the roundtable was not limited to discussion but aimed at inspiring institutional reform.

Dean Dr. Deepti Dabas and Director Dr. Arnab Chakraborty of the School of Leadership and Management emphasised the need for combining values with competencies to build future-ready institutions.

The organisers stated that progressive people practices rooted in integrity, inclusivity and accountability will be crucial as higher education adapts to an AI-driven era.

(Disclaimer: This article is based on information provided by the organisers of the event.)